Transferring an NIH Award
The following guidelines pertaining to the NIH requirements are from Chapter 8, Administrative Requirements, Change of Recipient Organization (NIH Grants Policy Statement):
NIH prior approval is required for the transfer of the legal and administrative responsibility for a grant-supported project or activity from one legal entity to another before the completion date of the approved project period (competitive segment). A change of recipient organization may be accomplished under most NIH grants if any of the following conditions are met:
-The original recipient has agreed to relinquish responsibility for an active project before the completion date of the approved project period. This includes any proposed change of recipient as a result of a PD/PI on a research project transferring from one organization to another organization. The project under the same PD/PI may be supported at a new organization for a period up to the remainder of the previously approved project period in an amount not to exceed that previously recommended for direct costs (plus applicable F&A costs) for the remaining period.
-The grant to be transferred has been terminated in accordance with 45 CFR part 75.372.
- A non-competing continuation award that is within an approved project period has been withheld because of hte recipient's actions (see Administrative Requirements-Enforcement Actions-Suspension, Termination, and Withholding of Support).
A change of recipient that involves the transfer of a grant to or between foreign organizations or international organizations also must be approved by the IC's Advisory Council or Board.
A grant to an individual may not be transferred.
A successor-in-interest or a name change is not considered a change of grantee (see Change in Recipient Organizational Status).
A change of recipient organization may involve the transfer of equipment purchased with grant funds. The transfer may be accomplished as part of the original recipient's relinquishment of the grant; otherwise, NIH reserves the right to transfer title to equipment to the new organization as indicated in Administrative Requirements—Management Systems and Procedures—Property Management System Standards.
A change of recipient request normally will be permitted only when all of the permanent benefits attributable to the original grant can be transferred, including equipment purchased in whole or in part with grant funds. In reviewing a request to transfer a grant, NIH will consider whether there is a continued need for the grant-supported project or activity and the impact of any proposed changes in the scope of the project. NIH will also consider the length of time, the percentage of funds, and the amount of work remaining in the project period. A change may be made without peer review, provided the PD/PI plans no significant change in research objectives and the facilities and resources at the new organization will allow for successful performance of the project. If these conditions or other programmatic or administrative requirements are not met, the NIH awarding IC may require peer review or may disapprove the request and, if appropriate, terminate the award.
A change of recipient organization request must be made before the anticipated start date at the new organization and preferably several months in advance. Failure to provide timely notification may result in disapproval of the request or significant delays in processing. Recipients are encouraged to discuss any potential issues with the awarding IC(s) prior to submitting a change of recipient organization request. If requesting a transfer in the middle of a budget period or at the end of the Federal fiscal year, recipients should contact the awarding IC for IC-specific guidance on the timing and preparation of the change of institution application.
